A VILLAGE rugby club is in shock following the death of the wife of a former player.

Sarah Applin, from Thurston, near Bury St Edmunds, died at West Suffolk Hospital on Tuesday nearly two weeks after giving birth to a son, William.

The 32-year-old died of complications with pneumonia following treatment for swine flu.

Sarah was the daughter of Jane and Barry Waterman, licensees of the White Horse pub in Beyton, near Bury St Edmunds, and the wife of Richard, who is heavily involved with Thurston Rugby Club.

Speaking yesterday, James Mould, press officer for the club, said Richard was an active and respected member of the club for many years and his wife was often at the club in support.

He said those at the club felt sadness and disbelief over Sarah’s death, which had come as a “massive shock”.

“The way the club is, we are just like a big family really. It’s deeply affected the majority of the people there. Everyone knew her and knew Richard and were friends with them.”

A statement released on behalf of the family said: “We, Jane and Barry Waterman and Sarah’s husband Richard, would ask that the family’s privacy be respected at this time whilst we come to terms with this tragic event.

“We would like to strongly urge any person on the at-risk register, especially pregnant woman, to have the flu vaccination.’’

William was delivered by Caesarean section on December 22 and has been doing well in the Special Care Baby Unit at West Suffolk Hospital.

Sarah also had a daughter, Charlotte, who was born on New Year’s Day in 2007, with Richard, 41.